Tomorrow is an important day in African women's history. On August 9th, 1956, some 20,000 women marched to the Union [government] Buildings in Pretoria to protest against a law requiring black women to carry passes. On the way to the Union Buildings the women sang a freedom song: "Wathint' abafazi, Strijdom!" wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo, uza kufa! [When] you strike the women, you strike a rock, you will be crushed [you will die]! Since then, the phrase wathint' abafazi, wathint' imbokodo has come to represent women's courage and strength in South Africa. This day is celebrated as a reminder of the contribution made by women to society, the achievements that have been made for women's rights, and to acknowledge the difficulties and prejudices many women still face. We hope you'll think of some of the many important women in your life today, and show them some appreciation in honor of those women who fought for freedom! To find out more about African holidays and how they're celebrated visit our African Holidays page.